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USL Sacramento Republic FC

Behind the Numbers of the Boys in Old Glory Red

April 23, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


For some of the boys in Old Glory Red, the number on the back of their jersey is more than just a number.

It means something, represents something, or reminds them of something, or someone, that inspired or encouraged them along their journey towards playing professionally.

For Jordan McCrary, it was about respect. When the defender first went pro, the first number he was handed in Seattle was #30 and out of respect for the tradition, he donned the number all season with the Sounders - and has stuck with it ever since.

Fellow defender Shannon Gomez chose his #2 because it's the same number his favorite player whose game he tries to replicate wore.

"I have worn number two my entire career for specific reasons, one of my favorite players wore number two, he's the most decorated player in the world with the most trophies by the way - Dani Alves, Brazilian," Gomez confirmed. "I grew up watching him, I grew up emulating his game, wanting to be like him. That's one of the reasons why I wear number two."

For Jaime Villarreal, his #24 is the same as his favorite basketball player who played in the midfielder's hometown of Los Angeles.

"Kobe Bryant," he said. "That's my idol and even though he passed away, he's still my idol and he's someone who I look up to just because of how good he played but his preparation, his work ethic and to hear all his stories about all the time he put in in training and doing all the right things. That's a guy that's definitely worth idolizing."

As for Rafael Jauregui, it's almost like his number chose him - and it's a number that sounds like its meant to stay in the family.

"I had 33 at first during preseason and by chance [the team administrator] gave me the number 34 and when I told my mom about having the number 34, she told me that was grandpa's old number when he played baseball," Jauregui explained. "That was really insane. I guess it was just chance, and I just kept that number and I thought I would just keep this number for my grandpa."

The boys in Old Glory Red will kickoff the 2021 USL Championship season on April 30 against LA Galaxy II in Southern California.

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